HELP: Threaded my headset top cap/preload bolt

Posted on Sun 15th, September 2013

• #1

OmarLittle

I have a terrible feeling that I have threaded the preload/top cap bolt on my integrated headset where it screws into the star fangled nut. Has anyone any suggestions of how to get it off? My stem and spacers are on so that rather scuppers trying to get a hacksaw in there.
• #2

OmarLittle

Edit: Turns out that the star dangled nut has been pulled up and out of the steerer tube! I'm presuming that hacksaw is probably now the only option.
• #3

Oswald

Not 100% what you've done as it takes a huge amount of force to pull a properly installed star nut out of a headset .. But my suggestion is to drill the head off the top cap bolt. You'll need a 6mm drill bit. Once the head comes off the screw you can then get everything apart without damaging anything else
• #4

Howard

Photos of what you've done would make it easier to help.
• #5

OmarLittle

It's been resolved by using a screwdriver to jimmy the old star nut out with no other damage done. I'm off to start a "only twats ride with badly installed star fangled nuts" thread......

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